How To Clean Your Fireplace

There’s nothing better than a cozy, crackling fire on a cold winter night.

But if you don’t keep your fireplace clean, soot, ash and other debris may start making their way into your living spaces. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends scheduling an annual inspection and cleaning with a certified chimney sweep, but if you use your fireplace frequently, you can also tidy it up yourself periodically with these simple steps.

Be sure to wait a full day after your last fire before cleaning the fireplace to allow it to cool completely. Consider wearing old clothes as well as safety glasses, gloves and a mask, as this project can get messy.

Clean the Firebox

Clean Fireplace Doors

Tip: If you don’t have these items on hand, try dipping a damp rag into old ashes and rubbing on the doors. It takes some elbow grease, but it’s also an effective way to make glass doors clear again.

Clean Fireplace Tools and Accessories